Digital Strategy Lead - GDS - G7

The Government Digital Service (GDS) is responsible for setting, leading and delivering the vision for a modern digital government.

We:

• set the digital strategy for government
• measure and manage digital performance across government
• maintain guidance and tools to support best practice, including the Service Manual
• drive greater efficiency in digital public services
• own product strategy and delivery for government including GOV.UK and its common components, GOV.UK One Login, artificial intelligence (AI) products for use across government, geospatial data, the National Data Library and the National Underground Asset Register
• lead the Government Digital and Data function and champion the work of digital teams across government

Read ‘A blueprint for modern digital government’ to learn more about the remit of GDS as the digital centre of government

In the Strategy team we are responsible for:

• Mobilising GDS teams and all of government around ‘A blueprint for modern digital government’ and monitoring progress against it;
• Developing a clear and compelling digital and AI roadmap for government setting out how digital, data and technology will improve government services, outcomes and productivity
• Securing the funding for the ambitious vision of a modern digital government through Spending Review 2025

Job description

As a Digital Strategy Lead you’ll do one of the following:

• Lead implementation of ‘A blueprint for modern digital government’, ensuring commitments are built into business planning and Spending Review work and setting up clear tracking and communication processes
• Lead development of the government’s digital and AI roadmap, working closely with senior leaders across government to set a compelling vision and co-design a detailed implementation plan
• Lead coordination and execution of Spending Review 2025 for GDS and the digital and data function, including developing bids, assessing proposals from across government and influencing stakeholders including HM Treasury to secure good outcomes

You will also:

• Shape and influence strategic direction on government’s digital transformation, working strategically to shape and set priorities and drive progress towards them
• Contribute to briefings for and discussions with senior officials and ministers, including creating and delivering high quality written submissions, slide decks and other strategic products
• Build trusted relationships with and influence senior leadership in GDS and across government, working with them to co-create plans and resolve challenges quickly and with confidence

Person specification

This role requires:

• Experience and knowledge of broad and complex strategic work across systems, with an ability to think strategically and bring clarity and structure to uncertainty
• Ability to translate complex and broad material - both qualitative and quantitative - into clear written or oral analysis and communications, including briefings and presentations
• Excellent quality in delivery and an ability to operate effectively and flexibly in a fast paced, political and complex environment
• Strong skills in establishing and maintaining excellent stakeholder relationships, and engaging credibly with and influencing senior leaders and external stakeholders
• Experience and enthusiasm for leading a team, including coaching and developing others, to ensure a high performing, highly engaged and happy unit